Ditch Job Descriptions: Recruitment Pitch Decks Are the Better Alternative

Are you still using 20th-century tools for 21st-century recruitment? Job descriptions are so 1900s. Elevating talent acquisition and hiring top-notch candidates requires innovative thinking. Replace boring job descriptions with engaging recruitment pitch decks, aka candidate decks. In this article, I'll explain pitch decks, including their advantages over job descriptions, and highlight how to utilize them in the hiring process.

Recruitment Pitch Decks Defined

A recruitment pitch deck is a visually captivating and informative presentation that showcases both your company's culture and your job opportunity. The deck, modeled after an investor deck, is more than just a list of position responsibilities; it's a powerful storytelling tool that takes potential candidates through their employee experience. The well-crafted candidate deck will leave a lasting impression, far more compelling than a bullet point list of responsibilities and skills.

JD vs Pitch Deck

Job descriptions are outdated relics of the past, chock full of dry details and a one-sided perspective. JDs focus solely on the technical aspects of a role and fail to inspire candidates to become a part of something greater. They leave potential applicants feeling disconnected and unexcited about the prospects of joining your team. Job descriptions may also attract a flood of unqualified candidates who only focus on meeting the specific skill requirements, rather than being genuinely interested in your company.

Furthermore, job descriptions rarely offer insights into the growth potential or the overall employee experience, making it challenging to stand out from the competition. In today's fast-paced and dynamic job market, relying solely on job descriptions can hinder your ability to attract top talent.

On the other hand, candidate pitch decks are a lively overview of the company culture and personality. Pitch decks are game-changers for several reasons:

1. Emotional Connection: Pitch decks create an emotional bond with candidates, making them more likely to envision themselves as a part of your team. They tap into the power of storytelling to convey your company's purpose and values.
2. Showcasing Culture: Unlike job descriptions, pitch decks put your company culture front and center. By highlighting your workplace culture and environment, you attract candidates who align with your values.
3. Attracting Top Talent: The captivating design and compelling content of pitch decks attract top-tier candidates who are passionate about making a difference in their careers.
4. Weeding out Unqualified Applicants: The engaging nature of pitch decks naturally filters out applicants who don't resonate with your company's ethos, saving you valuable time in the recruiting process.
5. Creating a Superior Candidate Experience: Not many companies are using candidate pitch decks (yet!). This tool will help you stand out from your recruiting competition. As well, a strong candidate experience is the first step in a strong employee experience. Pitch decks get you started on the right foot.

Pitch Deck Components

Crafting an effective recruitment pitch deck is a blend of creativity and strategy. In total, your deck should be about 10-12 slides. Here are some key elements to include:

1. Company Story: In one or 2 slides, share your company's origin, mission, and vision. Explain why your organization is unique and what sets it apart from others.
2. Culture and Values: In a couple of slides, showcase your company culture, values, and the inclusive atmosphere you cultivate.
3. Success Stories: In 1 slide, highlight your achievements, milestones, and projects that reflect your impact in the industry.
4. Employee Testimonials: Use one slide to share actual employee input and experiences with some fun photos. This slide should also contain your EVP (employee value proposition).
5. Job Scorecard: In 1 slide, include the purpose statement for the role, metrics used to measure success, essential skills required, and position logistics, such as pay and work location. A sample scorecard can be found in our article on HRBPs.
6. Projects & Assignments: While we are moving away from JDs, candidates still need to know the key responsibilities of the position. Instead of a boring list, write these up as projects and assignments which can be more engaging.
7. Career Ladder: Illustrate the potential for personal and professional growth within your company.
8. Perks and Benefits: Emphasize the extra perks and benefits that make your workplace stand out.
9. Call to Action: Like any good pitch deck, yours should include a clear call to action. Consider something simple like "Click here to apply. The initial application process takes 60 seconds."

Using Your Pitch Deck

A pitch deck is no help if you only use it at the end of the hiring process when trying to close a candidate. Lead with your pitch deck and ensure easy access to the document throughout the process.

1. Career Fairs and Events: Use the deck to engage with potential candidates at career fairs and industry events.
2. Social Media: Share snippets of your pitch deck on social media platforms to generate interest and intrigue.
3. Career Page: Feature the pitch deck on your company's career page to captivate job seekers visiting your website. Every role should link to a pitch deck.
4. Email Campaigns: Attach the pitch deck to personalized recruitment emails to leave a lasting impression on candidates.
5. Interviews and Presentations: Use the deck during interviews and presentations to provide a comprehensive overview of your company to candidates.

Since most job boards don't support a PDF or PPT format, you might be wondering, how do I use the deck on job posting sites? For job boards, pull the best material from the deck (e.g., job purpose, metrics, projects) and condense it into a one-page document you can upload to the board. This one-pager should include a prominent link to the career deck.

Summary

In conclusion, recruitment pitch decks are a dynamic alternative to tired, old job descriptions. Candidate decks captivate, connect, and create excitement among potential candidates, setting the stage for a successful talent acquisition strategy. Stand out in the crowded job market, attract top talent, and build a team that is genuinely passionate about your mission.